Ex-South Carolina star Nick Emmanwori expects to play in Super Bowl despite ankle injury
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Ex-South Carolina standout Nick Emmanwori already has the opportunity of a lifetime in just his first season in the NFL and, apparently, he’s not going to miss out on it.
The rookie safety of the Seattle Seahawks told reporters on Thursday that he’s expecting to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. According to Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, Emmanwori suffered a low ankle sprain after leaping to defend a pass during the late stages of Wednesday’s practice.
The irony is that Emmanwori missed a month earlier this season with a high ankle sprain, which is a more significant injury than the low ankle sprain he sustained during the Super Bowl practice on Wednesday.
“Fully expect him to play,” Macdonald told reporters regarding Emmanwori, who is a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“He’s confident. We’ve got a great plan,” added Macdonald.
Emmanwori explained his unique Super Bowl week situation to reporters on Thursday.
“Just a little mishap that happened with my ankle. In the moment, things happen, but it’s Super Bowl week,” Emmanwori said. “I expect to play on Sunday. Feel good, training staff has a good plan for me. Rehabbing good.”
Obviously, the emotions of being on this huge stage was not lost on Emmanwori.
“Super relief. Doctor told me I’d be good. I’ll be good to go,” Emmanwori said.
Emmanwori starred at South Carolina from 2022-24, being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2022 and being recognized as a First-team All-American in 2024.
The Seahawks grabbed him in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Emmanwori with the 35th overall pick.
It’s been a heck of a ride for the rookie this season, and it appears he’s dodged a major bullet in the leadup to the biggest game of his life.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
